Movie review: We Are the Best’ is 3 chords, 3 girls, 1 winner

Thursday

Jun 12, 2014 at 8:15 PMJun 13, 2014 at 8:22 AM

By Al AlexanderMore Content Now

Three girls, three chords in three acts, that’s “We Are the Best,” a riveting coming-of-age comedy perfectly capturing the electrifying jolt punk rock instills in teens looking to expel their anger and frustration. It’s practically a life preserver for 13-year-old Swedes Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) and Klara (Mira Grosin), societal outcasts in ratty clothes and chopped-off hair who’ve lost faith in God, teachers and their parents. They also don’t think too highly of the perky blond female classmates who shun them for not sharing their need to be slaves to the system.It’s 1982 and punk has pretty much been given up for dead, but that doesn’t stop the girls from embracing the primal howls of loneliness, resentment and alienation crudely pounded out in song by the likes of Ebba Gron and KSMB. They want to be like them, so without any talent or musical training they start a band using borrowed instruments and a ton of ambition. They even have a catchy tune they’ve written titled “Hate the Sport” inspired by their stupid-jock gym teacher. But still there’s something missing, namely a guitarist to join Bobo on drums and Klara on bass. A trip to their middle school talent show solves that when they discover Hedvig (Liv LeMoyne), a shy, Christian girl with classical training and a yet-undiscovered need to rebel against her prudish mother.Like a Swedish version of The Runaways, the girls rely on little more than their instincts – and Hedvig’s vast musical knowledge – to keep getting better. It’s enthralling to experience and almost “Rocky”-like in its level of inspiration. But the band and the music is merely a means for writer-director Lukas Moodysson to explore the dynamics of friendship between young adolescent girls, and all the bonding and petty jealousies that go with it. The result is funny and charming at four beats to the measure. And the performances he draws from his three novice actresses is wonderous. Their naturalness in front of the camera is even more astounding, as the trio realistically captures what it’s like to be 13 and feel completely alone.A huge assist is owed Moodysson’s wife, Coco, whose graphic novel of the same name provides a vivid blueprint for the girls to follow on their adventures as budding musicians and friends. At times, they bring a tear to your eye, and at others, a knowing laugh. And even though they’re not what you’d classify as role models, they are – at least in spirit and individuality – exactly what you’d want your own daughter to be.

WE ARE THE BEST (Unrated.) Cast includes Liv LeMoyne, Mira Batkhammar and Mira Grosin. Written and directed by Lukas Moodysson. At Kendall Square, Cambridge. Grade: A-